First, check with the Probate Court in the county of the state where the decedent lived.

If the Will was filed, it will likely be available to the public for viewing. And, you can purchase a copy. Or, you can hire a local lawyer or legal service bureau to do a search and get a copy for you.

But many people, even with substantial assets, die without a Will.

And, if the decedent held all property through a living trust or a joint ownership arrangement, there may be no need to probate the Will. Go to reading the Will

You will automatically get notice of certain petitions filed, including the petition for appointment of the personal representative and the final petition when it is time for the estate to be closed and distributed.

If the personal representative wants to sell real property, you should also get a Notice of Proposed Action. If you want to get copies of everything filed in the probate court concerning the estate, file a Request for Special Notice. There is no fee to file this document.

You can contact the personal representative directly if you have any questions. You can also contact the attorney for the estate. But, keep in mind the attorney works for the personal representative and not the heirs.

If you have concerns about the way the personal representative is handling the estate, talk to a lawyer.